Josh McPake seizes Rangers opportunity as winger grabs winner against Partick Thistle

Josh McPake was among the goals for Rangers as the winger hit the back of the net in Saturday's 3-2 win over Partick Thistle.

The Glasgow sides contested a bounce game behind closed doors at Auchenhowie as part of their pre-season preparations and it was a chance for Gio van Bronckhorst to assess his troops. Gers weren't at full strength, with six internationals including Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey given an extra week off to recover.

Also missing were Allan McGregor and Kemar Roofe, while Filip Helander, Alfredo Morelos and Ianis Hagi are all still sidelined with injury. It meant a starting front three off Scott Wright, Fashion Sakala and Glenn Middleton, back after his loan stint at St Johnstone and looking to carve out a place for himself in the Ibrox side.

Sakala was among the goals, as was John Lundstram as Gers picked up a narrow win over the Championship side. But it was youngster McPake, fresh off a promising loan spell at Hartlepool, who grabbed the brass rings with his winninggoal after coming off the bench.

Next up for Rangers is a friendly with Sunderland on Saturday, July 9 as their pre-season preparations hit full swing. Ian McCall's team, meanwhile, face Stenhousemuir in their opening Premier Sports Cup game on the same date.

Rangers starting lineup vs Partick Thistle : McLaughlin, Tavernier, King, Goldson, Devine, Lundstram. Lowry, Arfield, Wright, Sakala, Middleton.